Looking for a snack that packs a punch and still feels a little gourmet? This Chipotle Lime Spiced Nut Mix is smoky, citrusy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of kick to keep your hand going back for more. Whether you’re setting it out for guests, packing it into lunchboxes, or just snacking while you binge your favorite show, this mix checks every box. It’s a fresh twist on classic spiced almonds or spiced walnuts recipes, and it’s super easy to make at home. You get all the boldness of chipotle with a zing of lime—like your favorite margarita, but in snack form.
Chipotle Lime Spiced Nut Mix
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Large Mixing Bowl for tossing everything together
Rimmed baking sheet to keep everything evenly spread
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat makes cleanup a breeze
Zester or microplane for that fresh lime zest
Spatula to stir and spread the nut mixture
- 3 cups mixed raw nuts almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts — or whatever you like
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey for a richer sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin for extra warmth
- 1/4 cup roasted walnuts to deepen the nuttiness
- 1/4 cup pine nuts if you want to play around with flavors from pine nuts recipes
- Pinch of cayenne if you love your spicy nuts roasted to the next level
Preheat your oven
to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk the seasoning blend
In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, zest, olive oil, maple syrup, chipotle powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Toss in the nuts
Add your mixed nuts to the bowl and stir until each piece is coated in that smoky, tangy goodness.
Spread and roast
Pour the nut mixture onto your baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake
for 18–20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye out toward the end—nuts can go from golden to burnt fast!
Cool completely on the tray
The nuts will crisp up as they cool.
Store in an airtight
container at room temp for up to two weeks (but they rarely last that long).
Pairings
This chipotle lime mix is made to be shared with drinks and good vibes:
- Perfect with a cold beer or a smoky mezcal cocktail
- Crumble over roasted sweet potatoes or tacos for added crunch
- Pair with guacamole and tortilla chips as part of a snack spread
- Add to a grain bowl for texture and flavor
If you’re into trying different roasted nuts recipe savory options, this is a stellar way to start. It brings out the best in spiced almonds, roasted cashews, and yes—even pine nuts or roasted chestnuts if you want to go gourmet.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-roasted nuts?
You can, but be careful—since they’re already cooked, they can burn easily. Reduce baking time by about 5–7 minutes and watch closely.
2. Can I substitute lemon for lime?
Sure! It won’t be quite the same zing, but it’ll still taste great. Add a little extra zest to boost the citrus.
3. What kind of nuts work best?
Raw almonds, pecans, and cashews are ideal. For something richer, try adding roasted walnuts or even roasted chestnuts (a fun nod to roasted chestnuts recipes).
4. Can I make this ahead for parties or gifts?
Absolutely. It’s a great DIY snack gift, and it stores beautifully. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to maintain crunch.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mellow smoky heat. If you love things hot, go ahead and up the chipotle or add a dash of cayenne for full-on spicy nuts roasted vibes.
